'24 Cactus Gray Build

[rileyfuego]

Hey everyone, just wanted to share the "build" so far -- if you can call it that. Not much done yet but got a good starting point after reading up on everyones builds while I waited for my truck.

Got a '24 XL in Cactus Grey new from the dealer, got the spray in bedliner (cause Ontario, Canada weather), hard rollup bed cover, and the 4k tow package cause upgraded coolers + gear ratios why not.

Put about 1300km on it so far (800mi in freedom units)

Got the Silvers coilovers in the Lawrence Giles spec (standard version NOT the extreme low) with the swift spring upgrade. Would 100% recommend them as they were great to deal with and the customer service was on point with going over the order and answering any questions.

Front is maybe an 1.5" - 2.0" or so from as low as it can go, probably going to raise it a bit when I get some larger rims -- I'll get an exact measurement when I have a chance -- front shocks are set as stiff as they can go right now. At this current height on stock tires + rims it does rub the fender liners ever so slightly at full lock and under hard cornering. Camber plates were set at basically +-0° maybe a few millimetres past +-0° into the negative range. At this height and camber setup the fronts are a bit negative naturally with the drop, but do align nicely with the top of the fender so it won't turn my fenders into bacon under compression. bottom of the tire pokes out a bit but it's a respectful amount for the fitment.

Rear is as low as it can go on the standard silvers coilovers -- definitely needs to be fine tuned for preload as it knocks a bit more than I'd like, rear dampers are set at about half (12 clicks from fully either direction.) Nothing is rubbing or touching on the rear from what I've seen so far. Decent clearance from the tire and that stupid bulge on the drivers side rear fender liner thanks to Fords poor fuel tank routing. Getting rear camber back closer to +-0° should help with any clearance problems if any come up with the wider and larger rims.

Going to drive it for a week or so and re-check alignment and everything else

(my homies golf R that did the coilover install with me (I held the flashlight lol) -- gotta show him love) sorry for the edited photos can't have boring photos idk

Otherwise all stock for now until the wheels come in (Konig Countergrams in 19 x 8.5)

If anyone has any suggestions for rear under seat subs, and rear camber arms let me know! -- I know there was one guy on here who made some but I can't find any messaging info on his page.

In terms of plans we'll do some basics until people really push the stock transmission to see what it can safely hold. This is my daily so I kinda can't blow it up.

I'd like to get the side skirts / rockers color matched over the summer if I find a good paint shop, install my clear front marker lights, aFe exhaust, cross my fingers and hope some clear taillights get made from Klearz, and maybe cobb tune -- just gotta see how lenient my local dealers will be if I have any warranty issues. One thing at a time though since I haven't figured out the infinite money glitch yet...

Feedback is always welcomed
(gotta throw one more pic in just cause it looked good)

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[lizardnorm]

How do you feel the ride is with the set up currently? Much firmer than stock?

 

[MavUnicorn]

Looks great! I also have a '24 Cactus Gray XL.

Is the ride harsher or about the same?

 

[Halo9x]

Hey everyone, just wanted to share the "build" so far -- if you can call it that. Not much done yet but got a good starting point after reading up on everyones builds while I waited for my truck.

Got a '24 XL in Cactus Grey new from the dealer, got the spray in bedliner (cause Ontario, Canada weather), hard rollup bed cover, and the 4k tow package cause upgraded coolers + gear ratios why not.

Put about 1300km on it so far (800mi in freedom units)

Got the Silvers coilovers in the Lawrence Giles spec (standard version NOT the extreme low) with the swift spring upgrade. Would 100% recommend them as they were great to deal with and the customer service was on point with going over the order and answering any questions.

Front is maybe an 1.5" - 2.0" or so from as low as it can go, probably going to raise it a bit when I get some larger rims -- I'll get an exact measurement when I have a chance -- front shocks are set as stiff as they can go right now. At this current height on stock tires + rims it does rub the fender liners ever so slightly at full lock and under hard cornering. Camber plates were set at basically +-0° maybe a few millimetres past +-0° into the negative range. At this height and camber setup the fronts are a bit negative naturally with the drop, but do align nicely with the top of the fender so it won't turn my fenders into bacon under compression. bottom of the tire pokes out a bit but it's a respectful amount for the fitment.

Rear is as low as it can go on the standard silvers coilovers -- definitely needs to be fine tuned for preload as it knocks a bit more than I'd like, rear dampers are set at about half (12 clicks from fully either direction.) Nothing is rubbing or touching on the rear from what I've seen so far. Decent clearance from the tire and that stupid bulge on the drivers side rear fender liner thanks to Fords poor fuel tank routing. Getting rear camber back closer to +-0° should help with any clearance problems if any come up with the wider and larger rims.

Going to drive it for a week or so and re-check alignment and everything else

(my homies golf R that did the coilover install with me (I held the flashlight lol) -- gotta show him love) sorry for the edited photos can't have boring photos idk

Otherwise all stock for now until the wheels come in (Konig Countergrams in 19 x 8.5)

If anyone has any suggestions for rear under seat subs, and rear camber arms let me know! -- I know there was one guy on here who made some but I can't find any messaging info on his page.

In terms of plans we'll do some basics until people really push the stock transmission to see what it can safely hold. This is my daily so I kinda can't blow it up.

I'd like to get the side skirts / rockers color matched over the summer if I find a good paint shop, install my clear front marker lights, aFe exhaust, cross my fingers and hope some clear taillights get made from Klearz, and maybe cobb tune -- just gotta see how lenient my local dealers will be if I have any warranty issues. One thing at a time though since I haven't figured out the infinite money glitch yet...

Feedback is always welcomed
(gotta throw one more pic in just cause it looked good)

One thing that would look good is to paint the steelies, black! Matt black would make them look great! Just a thought.

 

[rileyfuego]

One thing that would look good is to paint the steelies, black! Matt black would make them look great! Just a thought.

I’ll probably keep the steelies for winter wheels so I’m not sure if I’ll take the time to paint em. But not a bad thought maybe to freshen them up a bit.

love the color on your truck tho! Did you get the fender flares from air design?

 

[rileyfuego]

How do you feel the ride is with the set up currently? Much firmer than stock?

Looks great! I also have a '24 Cactus Gray XL.

Is the ride harsher or about the same?

definitely a bit more stiff overall I would say. With how stiff I currently have the front set it’s more like a static car with how bouncy it can be. The stock tire size definitely helps with the bouncy-ness and makes it less harsh. Once I dial in the front after raising it up a bit and adjust the rear for the pre-load it’ll be more comfortable but will feel more sports car ish rather than how floaty the factory suspension is. More responsive overall is definitely the goal.

 

[Halo9x]

I’ll probably keep the steelies for winter wheels so I’m not sure if I’ll take the time to paint em. But not a bad thought maybe to freshen them up a bit.

love the color on your truck tho! Did you get the fender flares from air design?

Thanks, I really like it! The flares are from Mabett on Amazon. They cost much less ($129) vice over $600 for Ford’s product. Plus they are just as good. If you paint them, I would keep the caps the original color. I’ve seen them painted and they look very good. Nice looking truck no mattrr what you do.

 

[MavUnicorn]

definitely a bit more stiff overall I would say. With how stiff I currently have the front set it’s more like a static car with how bouncy it can be. The stock tire size definitely helps with the bouncy-ness and makes it less harsh. Once I dial in the front after raising it up a bit and adjust the rear for the pre-load it’ll be more comfortable but will feel more sports car ish rather than how floaty the factory suspension is. More responsive overall is definitely the goal.

Keep us updated.

 

[IHateSpeedbumps]

Looks good. I wish I was able to lower mine but I got it was easier to get in with my mobility issues compared to my car. I still have my old Golf that is basically on the ground though for when I want to struggle getting in and out.

 

[rileyfuego]

Looks good. I wish I was able to lower mine but I got it was easier to get in with my mobility issues compared to my car. I still have my old Golf that is basically on the ground though for when I want to struggle getting in and out.

Sorry to hear about the mobility issues, but I’m glad you still got something fun if need be! What generation golf do you have? If you do ever wanna lower the truck I’ve heard lowering springs get rid of a bit of wheel gap but will still ride very close to OEM

 

[IHateSpeedbumps]

Sorry to hear about the mobility issues, but I’m glad you still got something fun if need be! What generation golf do you have? If you do ever wanna lower the truck I’ve heard lowering springs get rid of a bit of wheel gap but will still ride very close to OEM

I have an early MKIII (1994) Golf currently.

Maybe I will bag the Maverick in a couple years.

 

[rileyfuego]

I have an early MKIII (1994) Golf currently.

Maybe I will bag the Maverick in a couple years.

nice! what’s in it vr6 or 2.0/1.8? On of my buddies got a MKII GTI with a 1.8

bags would definitely be cool! look good parked up & keep drivability.

 

[IHateSpeedbumps]

nice! what’s in it vr6 or 2.0/1.8? On of my buddies got a MKII GTI with a 1.8

bags would definitely be cool! look good parked up & keep drivability.

Mild build 2.0 with a large race cam and custom transmission. It is fun when it runs. Thinking of going supercharged when I rebuild it. I think I dropped a valve.

 

[rileyfuego]

Mild build 2.0 with a large race cam and custom transmission. It is fun when it runs. Thinking of going supercharged when I rebuild it. I think I dropped a valve.

sounds like a wicked little car! Worked with a guy who had basically the same setup back when MK3 were still new. Cammed 2.0. Supercharger would make it the ultimate weekend / canyon car. G60 supercharger probably pairs nicely & OEM style

 

[rileyfuego]

Alrighty, just an update

got the rear knock eliminated now! Checked preload & I’m maxed on the shock with the spring being as low as it can go. Turns out the allen head bolt & nut that hold the top of the shock onto the mount on the body needed to be tightened as there was rotational movement on the shock in that mount. Tightened it up nicely and now it’s gone!

I still might swap out the rear shocks for the low version from silvers just to have the adjustability. But we’ll sort that out once we dial in the front & rear camber.

On the bright side, I got my wheels sooner than expected and got those on today.
Exact specs are as listed:

Konig Countergram 19 x 8.5” et +43
Mounted UniRoyal Power Paws 245/50 ZR 19

Tires are Speedo accurate from my calculations so no speedometer or odometer issues.

Only got one good pic since work was busy and I had to move the truck out quick.

The rear could honestly be a tad lower in offset (closer to +30/+35) and would be pretty flush. The fronts I’m going to have to bring the camber in a bit more negative to get as flush as I personally would like it. But if I raise the ride height that may not be needed. We’ll see how it goes with time.

So far so good! The truck is looking more and more like the photoshop render lol

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